Beale SF demonstrates 'Global Reach,' supports Incirlik

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Ray Bowden
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Located 40 miles north of Sacramento in the heart of Northern California, Beale Air Force Base is home to the 9th Security Forces Squadron, an organization whose members are more than accustomed to a rigorous deployment tempo.

In the past 18 months, for example, Beale Security Forces Airmen deployed to Iraq, Kuwait and Ecuador. Continuing in the Air Force's modern-day tradition of "Global Reach," 13 of Beale's finest recently traveled 6,700 miles to Incirlik to augment their local brothers in arms for six months.

Capt. Amy Rivera, 39th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, said Incirlik has a long history of being supported by security force Airmen from around the globe.

"These deployed teams provide essential security and allow us to balance and execute our law enforcement, flight-line security and surety missions," she said.

According to Tech. Sgt. Rich Garcia, 39 SFS patrolman and Beale squad leader, the transition from California to Turkey was easy.

"Our Turkish counterparts have introduced us to their culture and treat us as part of their team," he said. "We've made a lot of new friends."

Another Beale noncommissioned officer, Staff Sgt. James Tennimon, 39 SFS patrolman, said he has actively tried to receive assignment orders to Incirlik "for a while," and that he enjoys working with the Turkish Air Force.

"There's a lot to learn from working so closely with another nation's military. Among other things, working side-by-side helps erase the language barrier," he said.

Maj. Chad Gallagher, 9 SFS commander, cites the universal similarities of the security forces career field as the core reason why the Beale squad shifted so smoothly into its Incirlik role.

"Regardless of location, we operate under similar conditions, speak the same language and can easily adapt to unique environments," Major Gallagher said.

Sergeant Garcia said the Incirlik deployment does not compare to any he's previously experienced.

"From a jurisdictional perspective, we have to be careful how we approach things," Sergeant Garcia said. "We have to be respectful of their security parameters."

These differences extend to the team's off-duty time, as well.

"It's definitely unlike my other deployments," Sergeant Tennimon said. "For starters, we're allowed to go off base in civilian attire and explore the country." While deployed to most Persian Gulf bases, Airmen are only allowed to leave the installation for mission essential purposes.

Sergeant Tennimon said he has been traveling off-base as much as possible.

"I've visited ancient castles, mosques and 2,000 year-old churches, but there is still so much left to do," he said. "There is more history here than I have time to see." Sergeant Garcia was pleasantly surprised to discover what he described as "Incirlik's unexpected amenities."

"We're used to deploying to a desert environment, living in tents and eating pre-packaged meals," he said. "Here, we live in billeting and eat at a dining facility. It's a very nice set-up."

Major Gallagher said Sergeant Garcia was a natural choice to lead the team.

"He's a complete professional. There were some issues in getting their gear from point A to point B, but Rich solved the problem," Major Gallagher said. "He also provides me with sound updates which allow me to brief Beale's senior leadership and the team's families."

Sergeant Tennimon said he hopes the Beale team will have had a positive influence on their Incirlik comrades.

"We've already set a positive standard," he said citing one Beale Airman's Career Development Course End of Course score.

"Airman Thomas Potter, 39 SFS member, scored a 95 percent on his EOC exam," he said. "This is the highest EOC score recently attained by anyone in the 39 SFS."

Sergeant Tennimon said the Incirlik deployment has given him a different perspective on his career.

"Supporting Incirlik's mission really shows me how well our Airmen are trained. As security forces Airmen, we need to continue doing all we can to ensure our quality of training only gets better," he said. "Beyond that, this is a deployment I'll never forget."